Q. What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
Hello doctor,
I am diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I have swelling on ankles, elbows and some fingers along with deformity in right wrist. Currently, I am taking ayurvedic medication. I need consultation.
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Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
MBBS., MD
General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, have completed your family, and do not want to conceive further, then start DMARDS (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), Methotrexate 15 mg once a week and Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg morning and evening if you have active arthritis. Start low dose of Methylprednisolone (Sterio 4 mg) once daily and Pantop 40 mg before breakfast. If you want to have kids, then instead of Methotrexate take SAAZ (Sulfasalazine) 500 mg morning and evening. Also, mention your C-reactive protein and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
For more information consult a rheumatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/rheumatologist
Thank you doctor,
Is Prednisone a safe alternative to DMARDS?
Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
MBBS., MD
General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Prednisone is not DMARD. It is a steroid. It does not prevent joint deformity. Only Methotrexate does.
For more information consult a rheumatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/rheumatologist
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